The Back Up Ball

The fact that I describe the backup ball does not mean that I recommend it.

Quite the contrary. I disapprove of it for several reasons. The first is that it is a poor strike-getter and it results in a large number of bad leaves and splits.

It is also difficult to control over long periods of time. In my opinion, it is more tiring than other, more orthodox deliveries. The backup ball is a ball that fades to the right as it nears the pins.

This action is caused by turning the wrist from left to right, at or near the moment of release.

It can be cured easily with intelligent practice, and should not be thrown at all if one can avoid it. The backup ball, to be most effective, would actually have to come into the pins in the 1-2 pocket, since its curve is similar to that of a left-hander.

But even in that favored spot, its effect is not good. And incidentally, anyone who throws a hook, curve, or straight ball should never try using a backup delivery to play the 10-pin. One might succeed fairly often, but seriously risks the loss of his regular grooved delivery.

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